The 2025 Academy Awards were a momentous occasion for Welsh talent, as two of the three nominees from Wales secured prestigious Oscars. Lol Crawley, the cinematographer behind The Brutalist, and special effects artist Rhys Salcombe, for his work on Dune: Part Two, both emerged victorious, marking a significant achievement for Welsh contributions to Hollywood’s biggest night.
Lol Crawley’s Cinematic Vision Recognized
Lol Crawley, hailing from Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for his visually stunning work on The Brutalist. The post-war epic, directed by Brady Corbet, was widely praised for its innovative visual storytelling. Accepting his award, Crawley expressed gratitude to his Welsh roots:
“To all my friends back in Wales, this is for you. I’m incredibly proud, and it doesn’t seem that long ago that I was there. Wales will always be a part of me.”
His win underscores the growing recognition of cinematographers who challenge traditional storytelling norms. Reflecting on the film’s impact, Crawley emphasized the importance of experimentation:
“We’ve been slightly constrained by traditional formats, but I feel like The Brutalist has blown that out of the water.”
His achievement places him among the industry’s top cinematographers and highlights the technical excellence emerging from the UK.
‘Dune: Part Two’ Scores Big Despite Director Snub
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two was expected to dominate the technical categories, yet the absence of a Best Director nomination for Villeneuve left fans disappointed. Nonetheless, the film secured wins in Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, with Welsh artist Rhys Salcombe playing a pivotal role in its success.
Salcombe, originally from Aberystwyth, contributed to the film’s breathtaking sci-fi landscapes, pushing the boundaries of visual effects. Dune: Part Two’s technical achievements reaffirm its status as one of the year’s most visually and sonically groundbreaking films. However, many viewed Villeneuve’s exclusion from the Best Director nominees as a missed opportunity.
A Near Miss for Producer Trevor Matthews
The third Welsh nominee of the night, Trevor Matthews, was up for Best Picture as a producer of The Brutalist. Despite significant acclaim and multiple wins, the top honor ultimately went to Anora, directed by Sean Baker.
Anora dominated the evening, claiming five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, Matthews’ nomination itself is a testament to the rising influence of Welsh figures in Hollywood.
A Night of International Victories
Alongside Welsh success, the 2025 Oscars showcased a broad international scope. Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here won Best International Feature Film, surpassing the controversial Emilia Pérez. Meanwhile, the West Bank-produced No Other Land earned the Best Documentary Feature award.
Adrien Brody took home Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, recognizing the film’s socially resonant themes. Other notable wins included Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain (Best Supporting Actor) and Zoe Saldaña, who became the first Dominican-American actress to win an Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez (Best Supporting Actress).
Welsh Talent in the Global Spotlight
Wales’ success at the Oscars reinforces its growing footprint in the global entertainment industry. With Hollywood increasingly embracing talent from diverse backgrounds, the victories of Crawley and Salcombe point to a bright future for Welsh artists in filmmaking.
For aspiring Welsh filmmakers and industry professionals, these achievements serve as inspiration. As the Oscar celebrations wind down, one thing is clear: Wales has firmly established itself in the cinematic world, proving that regional talent can shine on the grandest stage.
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